Jerrod Carmichael is opening up about his sexuality in the most candid manner yet.
For, the comedian has come out as gay.
Full story below…
The comic, whose new special ‘Rothaniel’ premieres on HBO tonight (April 1), is set to host ‘Saturday Night Live tomorrow in promotion of the project.
Prior to both, a preview feature by Variety, shares that Carmichael reveals he is gay in the standup special.
Taped in February at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, the show sees the star unpack his complex family history – and uniquely weaving in his coming out story.
Fresh from detailing how he caught his father cheating, he went on to say:
“After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret. One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I’m gay.”
When the audience clapped in support, Carmichael added:
“I’m accepting the love, I really appreciate the love. My ego wants to rebel against it. I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I’d never, ever come out. At many points I thought I’d rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. Because I know it changes some people’s perceptions of me. I can’t control that.”
Interestingly, it’s not the first time the 34-year-old has spoken about his sexuality.
As reported, in 2019 he seized on his then-new standup special to detail a conversion with his mother, in which he told he had “hooked up with dudes before.”
In ‘Rothaniel,’ the funnyman candidly updates that his relationship with his mom has been challenging since, but he is hopeful: “As much as she believes in God, I believe in personal growth and feeling free. And I do feel freer.”
‘Rothaniel’ premieres tonight (April 1) at 9pm ET on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.